The Sensa Festival is one of the oldest Venetian festivals.  

During the time of the Republic of the Serenissima, the Doge and the Patriarch sailed with a procession of boats and people towards the port of Lido and when they came to the Fort of Sant'Andrea, poured the holy water and a golden ring into the water while pronouncing these words : "We marry you, oh sea, in a sign of eternal domination." The "grand wedding" is repeated every year and revives the millennial history of the Serenissima and its intimate relationship with the Sea and the practice of Voga alla Veneta (Venetian rowing).

PROGRAM

SUNDAY 13 MAY 2018
Water Parade of the Sensa Festival
9.00 am - Boats rally at San Marco Basin
9.30 am - Departure of the water parade towards S. Nicolò di Lido
10.30 am - Sea Marriage Ceremony in front of the Church of San Nicolò del Lido.

It is possible to participate in the event by purchasing a seat in a prestigious "Venetian rowing boat".